Ask a QuestionWhen people talk about Shantou, the first things that usually come to mind are Teochew cuisine, seafood, Gongfu tea, and traditional culture. However, hidden behind the city’s food reputation is another fascinating side — its beautiful historic mansions, old streets, and century-old buildings that reflect the unique blend of Chinese traditions and overseas influences.
As one of China’s important coastal trading ports, Shantou experienced rapid development after becoming a treaty port in the 19th century. Many overseas Chinese who made fortunes in Southeast Asia returned to their hometowns and built impressive residences, combining traditional Chaoshan architectural styles with Western design elements they encountered abroad.
Today, these old houses tell stories of migration, wealth, family traditions, and cultural exchange. With carved wooden decorations, colorful tiles, Western-style balconies, and elegant courtyards, they are perfect destinations for travelers interested in architecture, photography, and slow-paced city walks.
From the magnificent Chen Cihong Former Residence, known as the “First Overseas Chinese Mansion in Lingnan,” to the historic arcade streets of Shantou Small Park, exploring these old buildings offers a deeper understanding of the city beyond its food culture.
Shantou’s historic buildings represent a unique combination of Chaoshan traditional architecture and overseas Chinese influences.
During the late Qing Dynasty and early 20th century, many people from the Chaoshan region traveled overseas to Southeast Asia for business and work. After achieving economic success, some returned home and built large residences to support their families and communities.
These buildings often combined:
Traditional Chaoshan courtyard layouts
Decorative wood carving
Stone carving and gray sculpture
Western-style facades
Imported tiles and materials
Southeast Asian artistic elements
The result was a distinctive architectural style that reflected both local identity and global connections.
Walking through these old houses feels like opening a history book. Every courtyard, window, and decoration reveals the story of a family and an era when Shantou was closely connected with the world.
Chen Cihong Former Residence is the most famous historic mansion in Shantou and one of the best examples of overseas Chinese architecture in southern China.
Known as the “First Overseas Chinese Mansion in Lingnan,” this huge residential complex covers an area of approximately 25,400 square meters and contains 506 rooms.
The residence was built by the Chen family, a prominent overseas Chinese family with business connections in Southeast Asia. The architecture reflects the family’s wealth and their cultural experiences abroad.
The layout follows the traditional Chaoshan residential style known as “Four Horse-Drawn Carriages” (驷马拖车), a symmetrical design featuring multiple courtyards connected by central spaces.
However, unlike traditional houses that rely only on local materials and techniques, Chen Cihong Former Residence incorporates many international elements, including:
Western-style buildings
Italian imported ceramic tiles
Thai-style wooden carvings
European decorative details
Walking through the residence, visitors can see how Chinese and foreign architectural ideas were blended together.
The colorful floor tiles, carved windows, balconies, and courtyards create countless photography opportunities. Every corner has a different visual style, from traditional Chinese elegance to Southeast Asian tropical charm.
The mansion also became known internationally as one of the filming locations for the movie “A Letter to Grandma”, where it was used as the residence of the character Lao Di.
For travelers interested in architecture, history, and photography, Chen Cihong Former Residence is a must-visit attraction in Shantou.
Best Visiting Time
The afternoon after 3:00 PM is recommended.
The weather is cooler compared with midday, and the softer sunlight creates beautiful effects on the colorful tiles, wooden windows, and old courtyards.
Shantou Small Park is the heart of Shantou’s old city and home to one of the largest and best-preserved arcade building areas in China.
The district developed during Shantou’s opening-port period and became a center for trade, commerce, and cultural exchange.
The buildings around Small Park combine:
Southern Chinese arcade architecture
Baroque-style decorations
Chaoshan gray sculpture
Western balconies and columns
The layout is centered around the Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion, with streets extending outward in a fan-shaped pattern.
These arcades were designed for both business and daily life. Shops occupied the ground floors, while families lived above. The covered walkways provided shade and shelter from rain, making them practical for a tropical coastal city.
Today, the area has become one of the best places in Shantou for walking and photography.
During the daytime, visitors can explore:
Historic shops
Traditional snack stores
Old post office buildings
Cultural exhibitions
In the evening, the area becomes even more atmospheric. When the lights turn on, the old arcades create a nostalgic Southeast Asian port-city atmosphere. For photographers, the combination of vintage architecture, street scenes, and local life makes Small Park one of the most charming places in Shantou.
Located in Tangxi Village, Chenghai District, Qifeng Chen Ancestral Hall is another beautiful example of Chaoshan overseas Chinese architecture.
Compared with the larger Chen Cihong Former Residence, Qifeng Chen Ancestral Hall has a quieter atmosphere and offers visitors a more authentic village experience.
The building follows the traditional Chaoshan architectural layout known as “Four Golden Points” (四点金), a classic courtyard structure with balanced design.
At the same time, it incorporates overseas influences, including:
Blue doors and windows inspired by Southeast Asian styles
European-style relief decorations
Western architectural details
The combination creates a unique appearance that reflects the history of overseas Chinese families.
The ancestral hall was also one of the important filming locations for “Dear You.”Unlike many paid attractions, Qifeng Chen Ancestral Hall is free to visit, making it a great choice for travelers who want to explore quieter cultural sites away from the city center.
Located at No. 155 Waima Road, Xiangyuan Piano Museum is a special cultural attraction that combines historic architecture and music.
The building was originally constructed in 1924 and was once considered one of the city’s most desirable waterfront residences.
Because of its location near the old port area, the mansion enjoyed beautiful views of the sea and played an important role in Shantou’s urban history.
Later, it was transformed into a piano museum by a professional pianist.
Today, visitors can admire:
Valuable historic pianos
Musical collections
Elegant old interiors
The original architectural details
The building itself is as impressive as the collection inside. The combination of old architecture, ocean views, and classical music creates a peaceful cultural experience. It is a good stop during a city walking route around Shantou’s historic downtown.
For first-time visitors, the following routes are recommended.
Downtown City Walk Route (Half Day to One Day)
This route is suitable for travelers staying in central Shantou.
Suggested itinerary:
Morning
Explore Shantou Small Park arcade streets
Visit historic buildings and old shops
Afternoon
Visit Xiangyuan Piano Museum
Walk along Waima Road and the old port area
Evening
Return to Small Park for night photography
Most attractions are close to each other and can be reached by walking or short taxi rides.
Chenghai Historic Mansion Route (Half Day)
For travelers interested in architecture and overseas Chinese history:
Afternoon
Visit Chen Cihong Former Residence
Explore Qifeng Chen Ancestral Hall
Because both sites are located in Chenghai District, it is more convenient to travel by taxi or private vehicle.
The journey from downtown Shantou takes around 40 minutes, and visitors should reserve around 2–3 hours for sightseeing.
Photography Tips for Visiting Shantou Old Houses
Shantou’s historic buildings are especially suitable for cultural photography.
Recommended Clothing
Traditional or vintage-inspired outfits work very well, including:
New Chinese-style clothing
Cheongsam (qipao)
Vintage Hong Kong-style fashion
The colors and styles blend naturally with old arcades and traditional mansions.
Best Time for Photos
For Chen Cihong Former Residence:
After 3:00 PM is ideal
Late afternoon sunlight creates beautiful shadows and highlights
For Shantou Small Park:
Blue hour before sunset is recommended
Evening lighting creates the most atmospheric scenes
Avoid Midday Heat
Shantou has a hot and humid summer climate. Outdoor sightseeing is more comfortable in the morning or late afternoon.
During lunchtime, consider visiting indoor attractions such as museums or cultural centers to avoid the strongest heat.
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